Q & A

Appointments are preferable but we are happy to accommodate walk-ins depending on current bookings.

What are your hours?

We are open 11am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 5pm Saturday. After hours appointments can be arranged. It is always best to call ahead.

I’m a cost conscious shopper. Can you help me stay within my budget?

Absolutely! Many of our gowns are extremely affordable and often look more expensive than they are. Our gowns start around $1000 in our Charlottesville location and $2000 in our Richmond location. We also offer a selection of gorgeous gowns in our sample sale section in both store locations.

We choose our collections carefully and carry some of the top designers in the industry. Many brides are pleasantly surprised by how affordable our gowns are.

We suggest you let us help you by using our knowledge to come up with the look you want while keeping you within your budget. As with every other industry, the bridal business has seen some price increases, but you may just as easily fall in love with one of the many dresses from an earlier collection.

How do you choose your collections and what designers do you carry?

Since our background is in design and couture craftsmanship, we have a keen eye for quality and we pay close attention to the fabric and workmanship in the designers we carry. We look for fashion forward styles and collections to showcase the upcoming trends and to satisfy brides searching for an up-to-the minute design.

We have selections by Justin Alexander, Justin Alexander Signature, Lillian West, Sincerity, Sweetheart, and Tanya Grig. Our couture collections include gowns from Modern Trousseau, Augusta Jones, Paula Varsalona, Anny Lin and a collection from our very own in-house designer, Sorbello Couture. We also carry bridesmaids dresses from Bill Levkoff. If you’ve seen a gown from one of our current designers, and we don’t have it in stock, there is a good chance we can order if for you. Just ask!

Please note that we are authorized by the above designers to carry their designs in our stores. If you find a gown online at a price that seems too good to be true, it is likely that it is. We adhere to our designers’ pricing polices and you will not find lower prices on these gowns from any other authorized dealer.

Do you sell off-the-rack or are all your gowns special ordered?

We do both.

How long will it take to get my dress?

To be on the safe side, plan for 9 months. Some designers can accommodate shorter time frames, but there is almost always a surcharge for that convenience. You are always welcome to buy one of our dresses off the rack and have the alterations done in-house.

Do you have informal gowns suitable for a beach or second wedding?

Absolutely! Our gowns range from simple and informal to intricate and beaded. Come in and browse our collections or call for an appointment and let us put our expertise to work for you.

I’d like my wedding gown to be a design that no one else has. Is that unreasonable?

It’s very understandable. Depending on the designer, it is possible for you to have a gown that no one else has. Some of our designers do customizations frequently, and it is one of our specialties. Just talk to us about it during your appointment and we’ll see what we can do!

Do you rent wedding gowns?

No, we cannot do this.

I’m a full figured girl. Do you carry plus sizes?

We have sizes between a 2 and 24 available to try on, but we can order a gown outside those sizes with custom measurements.

I’m just in town for a few days, but I love the gown you have in the window and I’d like to order it. Could you ship it to me when it comes in?

Yes, let us know, and we will ship it to you.

Do your gowns ever get discontinued?

Yes, they do sometimes get discontinued with little or no notice.

My bridesmaids are all over the country, what can you do to help?

We make it easy for the bride and bridesmaids! Once you have chosen your dress style, we can prepare an order and measurement form for you to forward to your bridesmaids. They should get professional measurements taken, then complete the form and email it back to us. They can pay with their credit cards without getting you involved in collecting money. We suggest placing your order for bridesmaid gowns six months before the wedding to avoid rush fees. We currently carry designs from Bill Levkoff.

Do you carry jewelry?

Yes, we have a lovely selection of freshwater pearl and crystal jewelry perfect for the bride herself or as gifts for her bridesmaids. We can also design necklaces, earrings, and bracelets to order.

Do you carry flower girl and Mother-of-the-bride dresses?

We have a selection of Mother-of-the-bride dresses in our Richmond location, and a range of casual formal wear in our Charlottesville location. We are able to order flower girl dresses from Bill Levkoff at either location.

I need a slip. Do you sell those?

Absolutely. We sell slips, veils, headpieces, furs, and other accessories.

I got married last year and did not buy my wedding gown from you. Where do you suggest I take it for cleaning or preservation?

We can take care of that for you. If you would like to bring the gown in to us, we can arrange for the cleaning and preservation and have it shipped back to you.

Do you store gowns?

No, we do not have storage.

Do you do alterations?

Yes, we’re pleased to offer this service. Please call to schedule an appointment ahead of time.

About Us

We offer a wonderful collection of wedding gowns, accessories, bridesmaid dresses and formalwear.

It's our goal to help our brides have a lot of fun putting together their special day.